"fine hockey romance"
Psychology Professor Katie Fisher is on a leave of absence
from Vermont's Fallenfield College working on a book on
professional team sports. She is staying at her mom's
home in Didsbury, Connecticut a town she hates ever since
she was an obese brainy outcast in high school. Also at
mom's place is Katie's nephew nine years old Tuck whose
mother is in rehab. At her tenth anniversary high school reunion Katie,
explains her study to former NHL legend Paul van Dorn; he
agrees to be interviewed. The interview goes well until
she mentions his forced retirement due to injury. He ends
the interview. Paul coaches the Squirt Squad; Tuck is on
the team. He takes Katie on a picnic. A few days later
after dinner, they make love, but Katie demands their
relationship be kept secret so as to not harm Tuck. When his team loses, Paul works the team too hard. Katie
tells him to ease up on them. Not long afterward Paul
insists he loves her, but ends their relationship because
she is a snob. One of them will have to skate towards the
goal if they are to score the hat trick of love, marriage
and family. Deirdre Martin's latest hockey romance stars delightful
lead protagonists especially Katie, who "smoothly handles
her dieting and a strong support cast. The story line
scores because of the youth hockey subplot that bring out
the differing attitudes between Katie and Paul while
spotlighting the little leagues. Though a spoiled selfish
villainess acts like she is still in high school and when
marginally "hip checked" not even into the boards
vanishes, fans will enjoy this fine sports romance. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 12, 2006
SummaryEveryone from Didsbury High remembers Katie Fisher as the
dumpy brainiac from the poor side of town.
Everyone from Didsbury High remembers Paul van Dorn as the
school hockey star—and heartthrob. But now they're
facing off—and matching up in more ways than one.
Katie's lost the pounds, added some self-confidence, and
become a drop-dead gorgeous sociology professor.
And since a series of concussions put an end to Paul's pro
hockey career, his star has dimmed. Now he hits the ice as a
coach. But he's still got the hometown crowd behind him as
the owner of a bar called The Penalty Box.
Paul is reliving his glory days. Katie wishes she could put
those years behind her. And the battle of wills that ensues
just might knock love right out of the game...
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